Derby V Chelsea at The iPro Stadium : Match Preview

05 January 2014 02:10

Derby will check on the fitness of Craig Bryson and Johnny Russell ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea.

Midfielder Bryson (thigh) was replaced by Jeff Hendrick at half-time during the defeat to Wigan while Russell received treatment following a clash of heads with a Latics player and the striker may have suffered concussion.

Michael Keane's loan deal expired after the league loss on New Year's Day but the Manchester United defender has had his stay with the Championship club extended until the end of the month and he can play in the third-round clash against Jose Mourinho's men.

Derby have also signed Tottenham midfielder Simon Dawkins on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell.

Skipper Richard Keogh remains out with a knee injury but Zak Whitbread's loan from Leicester has been prolonged for the remainder of the season but Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford does not arrive until Monday.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was close to succeeding Rams chief Steve McClaren as England boss in late 2007, following his own departure from Chelsea and prior to the appointment of Fabio Capello.

"I was almost there when I left Chelsea, but after that no more chances," said Mourinho, who rates McClaren as a boss following his Dutch Eredivisie success with FC Twente.

"I'm happy to play against Steve, I'm happy to think back. I'm happy with his success in Holland.

"With full respect for the Championship, where very good managers are, I think Steve belongs to a different level.

"Hopefully he's back to the Premier League soon. I'll be happy with that."

Mourinho won the 2007 FA Cup with Chelsea and has promised to field a strong team at Derby.

David Luiz is available following suspension, but Frank Lampard (muscular injury) and Branislav Ivanovic (knee) remain out.